politics impact on pakistan cricket performance in recent years

Pakistan's cricket team has faced a significant decline in performance, highlighted by their recent fall to eighth in the Test rankings, the lowest in nearly sixty years. This decline has been attributed to the pervasive influence of politics in sports, particularly nepotism within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The team has experienced instability, cycling through four coaches, three board heads, and three captains in just two years, which experts believe is a direct result of political interference. Former Prime Minister Imran Khan, a cricket legend, has been vocal about the detrimental effects of political machinations on the sport. He claims that the imposition of unqualified individuals in key positions has led to the team's poor performance. Khan's political career began with his cricket success, and during his tenure as prime minister from 2018 to 2022, he appointed his favored PCB chief, further intertwining politics with cricket. Critics argue that the PCB has become a platform for political patronage, with individuals lacking cricketing knowledge being appointed to leadership roles. This has resulted in a chaotic management structure that undermines the team's potential. The situation has been exacerbated by the military's influence and the self-serving agendas of those in power, who prioritize personal gain over the sport's integrity. As the national team continues to struggle, the call for reform within the PCB grows louder. The current leadership's ability to navigate the complexities of both cricket and politics remains in question, with indications that support for PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi may be waning. The future of Pakistan cricket hinges on addressing these systemic issues and restoring stability to the sport.